Command Development

This is the canonical reference for building slash commands in Claude Code. It covers the full lifecycle: YAML frontmatter fields, dynamic arguments with $1/$2/$ARGUMENTS syntax, file references using @ notation, and bash execution for gathering context. The critical insight that commands are instructions FOR Claude, not messages TO users, prevents a common mistake where people write documentation instead of directives. Covers both project and personal command locations, tool permissions, model selection, and organization patterns. If you're creating custom workflows or sharing commands across a team, this has the specifics you need on argument hints, namespacing, and when to use haiku versus sonnet for execution.

GitHub stars: 340
last updated: May 19, 2026

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Install

$ npx -y skills add tzachbon/smart-ralph --skill 'Command Development' --agent claude-code

Installs into .claude/skills of the current project.

Files

Command Development for Claude Code

Overview

Slash commands are frequently-used prompts defined as Markdown files that Claude executes during interactive sessions. Understanding command structure, frontmatter options, and dynamic features enables creating powerful, reusable workflows.

Key concepts:

Markdown file format for commands
YAML frontmatter for configuration
Dynamic arguments and file references
Bash execution for context
Command organization and namespacing

Command Basics

What is a Slash Command?

A slash command is a Markdown file containing a prompt that Claude executes when invoked. Commands provide:

Reusability: Define once, use repeatedly
Consistency: Standardize common workflows
Sharing: Distribute across team or projects
Efficiency: Quick access to complex prompts

Critical: Commands are Instructions FOR Claude

Commands are written for agent consumption, not human consumption.

When a user invokes /command-name, the command content becomes Claude's instructions. Write commands as directives TO Claude about what to do, not as messages TO the user.

SKILL.md on GitHub